Tuesday, October 21, 2014

W Hotel Fort Lauderdale

I wanted to share my recent hotel experience.

W Hotel Fort Lauderdale

I had the pleasure of visiting the W Hotel Fort Lauderdale this past weekend while visiting family. I had booked the hotel for two small groups in the past and know it quite well having seen it being built when I was living there from 2001-2006. The sales team is well oiled. My contact, Seven Hoodack, formerly with the Waldorf in NYC is an amazing guy and gets it done with ease. He graciously offered me a friends and family rate and upgraded me to a small suite with a full ocean and pool view. The rooms are outstanding and large, bright, neutral tones, everything is new and unique. Large walk in closets, king beds, double terraces, living area with a huge L-shaped sofa, entertainment center with Bose Speakers, wet bar, glass enclosed bath with separate toilet and Bliss Spa amenities.

2 Bedroom W Flat

The rooms are separated by large wall panels that can stay open or closed depending on privacy needs. The ceilings are very high and one side is all floor to ceiling windows. The hotel has a variation of rooms, types and configurations including condos that are privately owned and rented (great for families). There are two towers and plenty of outdoor space for relaxation or groups. The conference rooms are all on one floor which makes it easy for breakouts and group meals. All but one has windows with water/inter coastal views and black out drapery.

One of meeting room

The meeting rooms are sleek and well-furnished in typical W style with wet bars, panels to control lighting, temperature, windows & screens. There is WIFI and plenty of outlets for laptops. They have everything from a ballroom (up to 350 banquet style) to a private boardroom. Outdoors the possibilities are unlimited with tenting available as needed. The hotel signature restaurant Prime 211 is well-known for its menu and service and breakfast al fresco was divine overlooking the ocean. The staff is very efficient, for example, when you call for anything from towel, to your car, they offer a time that the task will be done and they deliver. My towels were promised in 10 minutes or less and my car from the valet in 7 minutes and voila….all was as promised. One cool thing about the hotel is when you check in on level 4, if your room is not ready you turn left and walk up a flight of stairs built into the pool to level 5 where you can sit and have a light snack or drink looking out on to the ocean poolside while waiting or change into your suit and take a swim.